What is Raita?
Raita is a side dish in Indian cuisine which is made by blending thick yogurt with various fruits, vegetables, and spices. Some people consider raita to be a form of salad, while others use it more like a condiment. There are an assortment of ingredients which can be used in raita, creating dishes which range from almost sweet to intensely spicy. This Indian dish is very common in India and around the world.
This dish is very similar to tsatsiki, a Greek dish which also takes advantage of the tangy nature of yogurt. In both cases, the yogurt used is typically plain, whole fat, and very thick. Strained yogurt works especially well, because it is extremely thick and it has a texture almost like that of soft cheese curds; in some parts of India, raita is known as a curd preparation in a reference to the desired texture.
Outside of India, cucumber raita is probably the most common version of this dish, although in India, cucumber raita can be difficult to find, because the combination of yogurt and cucumber is frowned upon in Ayurvedic tradition. Carrot and onion raita are both common in India, and it is also possible to find raitas made with bananas, tomatoes, kiwis, and an assortment of other foods. The raita may also be seasoned with things like cumin, coriander, black mustard seeds, mint, dill, and cayenne, among other ingredients.
Traditional raita is a bit of contradiction. The dish is both cooling and spicy, with the yogurt soothing the mouth while eating spicy food, while the chilies which are frequently used in raita keep the taste buds on their toes. The dish can be used as a dip for breads as well as being served alongside or on curries. Some people also enjoy eating raita straight.
If you tend to have trouble with spicy food and you eat at an Indian restaurant, make sure to ask for raita on the side of your dish, and specify that you want a less spicy raita. If you eat something too spicy, take a bite of the raita; the acidity of the yogurt will help to cool your mouth down, making you feel more comfortable. You may also find the raita enjoyable on its own.
As you might imagine, this dish is very easy to make at home. Finely chop fruits or vegetables of choice, toss them with some yogurt, and add some spices to taste. Traditionally, raita is salted, and if you use a vegetable with high water content like cucumber, salt it first to pull some of the water out, so that the raita will not turn runny.
Written by S.E. Smith
